Role of angiotensin II in high fructose-induced left ventricular hypertrophy in rats.

Recent studies suggest the linkage of hypertension and insulin resistance. High fructose diet is known to induce hyperinsulinemia and hypertension in rats. In a previous study, however, high fructose (66%) diet failed to elevate blood pressure but increased left ventricular weight in Sprague-Dawley rats. In the present study, we investigated the precise mechanism of high fructose diet-induced changes in the cardiovascular system in rats. Intake of fructose-enriched diet for 2 weeks increased serum insulin and plasma angiotensin II levels. Urinary excretion of sodium and norepinephrine was not changed. Blood pressure measured directly through an indwelling catheter was not increased, but left ventricular weight and protein content were increased by high fructose diet. To further elucidate the role of the renin-angiotensin system, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, TCV-116, was given orally at 1 mg/kg per day with either normal or high fructose diet. Concomitant administration of TCV-116 did not affect plasma glucose or serum insulin levels. Plasma angiotensin II was increased, but neither urinary sodium nor norepinephrine was changed by TCV-116. TCV-116 similarly decreased blood pressure in rats on normal and high fructose diets. Increase in left ventricular weight induced by high fructose diet was prevented by the concomitant administration of TCV-116. On the other hand, left ventricular weight in control rats was not changed by TCV-116. In conclusion, increased plasma angiotensin II may account for the left ventricular hypertrophy induced by high fructose diet, whereas hemodynamic change, sodium retention, and the sympathetic nervous system do not play an important role.